Within the framework of the Horse Industry Competitiveness Cluster, two companies and a laboratory are testing now equestrian surfaces.

In an attempt to develop the least traumatic equestrian surface, two companies and a research laboratory are working together on the Séqui’sol project, funded by the State and the Lower Normandy and Pays de la Loire Regional Councils. The operation will require a budget of around 3 million Euros over 3 years, equal contributions being provided by the companies, the State and the regional authorities. “The quality of equestrian surfaces and race tracks is essential for any horse owner. Reducing the risk of an accident, obtaining surfaces of homogeneous quality whatever the weather conditions, saving water and encouraging improved performance are tomorrow’s major stakes,” explains Romuald Glowacki, the competitiveness cluster’s project leader.

Certified by the Lower Normandy “Horse Industry” Competitiveness Cluster, Séqui’sol includes the testing and analysis of specific surface samples (existing race courses and equestrian surfaces, but also samples of new mixtures). The project has a dual aim: being capable of objectively evaluating surface quality, as is the case for athletics tracks and sports grounds, and of improving the production quality of artificial surfaces for the benefit of equine performance and comfort.

Following the research phase (measurement systems on the horse), the test phase is eagerly awaited. A research team from the ENVA – Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort (Alfort National Veterinary School), is currently working on the Ginai stud farm track (a specially designed surface comprising a subtle mixture of sand, fibres and paraffin),  along with Professor Jean-Marie Denoix, Director of the Cirale in Dozulé (see boxed article). “After trotting, we will continue with other disciplines such as galloping and jumping,” explains Nathalie Crevier-Denoix, Director of the INRA-ENVA joint research unit working on horse biomechanics and locomotor disorders.

Nearby, the sector’s businesses keen to stay at the leading edge of innovation are keeping a watchful eye on developments. “We are endeavouring to scientifically prove our instincts or our subjective ideas. Our aim is to produce better surfaces and to offer solutions capable of improving existing surfaces. It’s up to us to find the best compromise.” suggests Marcel Letellier, Manager of Normandie Drainage, an artificial surface manufacturer based in Montchauvet (Calvados).
“The equestrian industry is now leaning towards synthetic products. Yet, acknowledged references are still lacking. We’re convinced it’s a promising market,” indicates Arnaud Louveau, in charge of the Equipment and Research department at Labosport, expert in the certification of sports grounds and located in Le Mans. The stud farm’s owner, Jacky Souloy, is present all day long and impatiently awaiting the project’s results.

Professor Denoix on a sulky
Within the vast Ginai stud farm in Exmes (Orne), Professor Jean-Marie Denoix, Director of the Cirale in Dozulé (Centre for imaging and research into equine locomotor disorders), a renowned researcher in equine medicine, enjoys a day as a jockey. The horse, chosen for its docile character, was subjected to several sprints, harnessed with a number of measurement systems, whilst computers collected data on the sulky. In the van equipped to monitor the tests, cameras were filming, at full speed.

Horse Industry Competitiveness Cluster
Romuald GlowackiTél.02 31 25 56 56
Mél. romuald.glowacki@chevaux-normandie.fr
Site : http://www.chevaux-normandie.com/

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